Sports training device

ABSTRACT

A sports training device may take the place of cones to create the illusion of defenders and/or obstacles. The sports training device may be collapsible so that it is easy to transport and store when it is not in use. The sports training device may be formed as a cylindrical structure having a top portion formed of a taut material with a steel wire frame and a bottom portion attached to a weighted base. The sports training device also may include straps that may secure the sports training device when it is in a collapsed state. The sports training device may further include one or more handles to facilitate transport of the sports training device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/254,482 filed on Apr. 16, 2014, entitled “Sports Training Device,” which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/861,230 filed on Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Sports Training Device,” both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a sports training device, and more particularly to a sports training device creating the illusion of defenders or obstacles.

BACKGROUND

When athletes are training or practicing a sport, there is sometimes a need to create the illusion of defenders or obstacles. For example, when a basketball team runs drills, it may be helpful to place cones on the court to represent the defenders that the team members will face in a game situation. However, the cones are generally not weighted in a way that can sufficiently represent a defender. As such, when a team member runs a drill, the cone might easily topple over if the team member or the ball comes close to the cone. Further, cones can be difficult to transport and store when they are not in use.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a sports training device that may take the place of cones to create the illusion of defenders and/or obstacles. The sports training device may be collapsible so that it is easy to transport and store when it is not in use. The sports training device may be formed as a cylindrical structure having a top portion formed of a taut material with a steel wire frame and a bottom portion attached to a weighted base. The sports training device also may include straps that may secure the sports training device when it is in a collapsed state. The sports training device may further include one or more handles to facilitate transport of the sports training device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a sports training device that may include a cylindrical structure formed of a tautly pulled fabric material, the cylindrical structure having a top portion, an upper portion and a bottom portion, a wire formed in a closed circle around and coupled to the upper portion of the cylindrical structure, and a weighted base coupled to the bottom portion of the cylindrical structure operable to maintain the cylindrical structure in a relatively upright position upon impact from an exterior force. The weighted base may be permanently coupled to the bottom portion of the cylindrical structure, or releasably detachable from the bottom portion of the cylindrical structure. The device may include an opening in the top portion of the cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure may be collapsible into a disk-shaped formation for storage and transport. The device may include at least one strap coupled to the weighted base operable to secure the device in a collapsed state. The device may also include at least one handle coupled to the upper portion of the cylindrical structure. The device may have a pocket or sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the cylindrical structure. The device may also have a dry-erase area disposed on the cylindrical structure. The device may be stacked on top of a second sports training device to increase the height of the device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may further provide a sports training device may include a collapsible structure formed of a fabric material, the structure having a top portion, an upper portion and a bottom portion, and a weighted base coupled to the bottom portion of the structure. The device may include a framing material coupled to the upper portion of the structure. The device may further include a framing material coupled to the bottom portion of the structure. The structure may include a hollow interior portion operable for storage. The device may have an opening in the top portion of the structure. The device may include at least one strap coupled to the weighted base operable to secure the device in a collapsed state. The device may also include at least one handle coupled to the upper portion of the structure.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a sports training device that may include a collapsible structure formed of a tautly pulled fabric material, the structure having a top portion, an upper portion, a bottom portion an exterior portion and a hollow interior portion, a first framing material coupled to the upper portion of the structure, a second framing material coupled to the bottom portion of the structure, a weighted base coupled to the bottom portion of the structure below the second framing material operable to maintain the structure in a relatively upright position upon impact from an exterior force, at least one handle coupled to the upper portion of the cylindrical structure, and at least one strap coupled to the bottom portion of the structure. The device may also include a pocket or sleeve coupled to the exterior portion of the structure. The device may further include a dry-erase area disposed on the exterior portion of the structure.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a sports training device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a view of sports training devices in a collapsed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts a view of sports training devices in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts another view of sports training devices in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a further view of a sports training device in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 depicts a view of a sports training device in a stacked or attached position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a sports training device that may take the place of obstacles/cones, thereby creating the illusion of defenders or obstacles. For example, when a basketball player is running drills, one or more sports training devices may be placed on the basketball court as substitutes for cones that might otherwise be used in drills. The sports training devices are weighted so that a player or the ball may come in contact with the sports training devices but they will not topple over. Sports training devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure also are collapsible to provide for easy storage and transport when not in use.

A sports training device may be formed as a cylindrical structure having a weighted base, such as the sports training device depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 1. The cylindrical structure of the sports training device may be formed of a fabric material, including but not limited to polyester, polyester mesh, nylon, nylon mesh, heavy canvas, particleboard, and combinations thereof. Regardless what material may be used to form the cylindrical structure, it should be appreciated that the material should be able to withstand either being used indoors or outdoors in a variety of weather conditions without departing from the present disclosure. The material used to form the cylindrical structure may be of a varying thickness, but regardless what type or thickness of material being used, it should be appreciated that the material should be able to be pulled taut in a way that it may withstand pressure being exerted on it by people or items (such as balls) without departing from the present disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that the material should be sufficiently lightweight that, even when attached to the weighted base, it may be easily transported, either in an expanded state or in a collapsed state, without departing from the present disclosure. While this portion of the sports training device has been described as being cylindrical in nature, it should be appreciated that this portion may assume other shapes without departing from the present disclosure.

A steel wire may be formed in a closed circle (or other shape depending on the structure of the main body of the sports training device) around the upper portion of the cylindrical structure to provide a frame and structure for the sports training device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. However, other types of wires or framing materials may be used without departing from the present disclosure. It also should be appreciated that a steel wire or other framing material may be incorporated around the bottom portion of the cylindrical structure around the point of connection with the weighted base to provide additional framework for the sports training device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the material forming the top portion of the cylindrical structure may be the same material that may be used to form the cylindrical structure. However, it should be appreciated that other materials may be used without departing from the present disclosure. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there may be an opening or slit through the center of the top portion, and this may be used for putting one or more items inside of the sports training device as will be described in more detail below. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the top portion may be formed of a solid piece of material (i.e., having no opening or slit). Regardless whether there is an opening or slit in the material forming the top portion, it should be appreciated that the material comprising the top portion should be taut enough in an expanded state such that when the sports training device is in use, a ball or another item having similar weight and structure may hit or otherwise jostle the top portion of the sports training device and not result in the collapse of the sports training device.

The weighted base of the sports training device may be filled with sand or another material having a similar weight, and the weighted base may be constructed of durable vinyl or another similar material that may be weather-resistant (i.e., may be used indoors or outdoors) and will withstand being placed on the ground or otherwise moved around. The weighted base also should be formed of a material that may be easily cleaned after use.

The weighted base may be attached to the bottom portion of the cylindrical structure such that when the cylindrical structure is hit or otherwise touched by someone or something (i.e., a ball) passing by the sports training device, such as during a drill, the sports training device may rock but will bounce back into position without toppling over according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The weighted base may be permanently attached to the cylindrical structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; however, it should be appreciated that the weighted base may be releasably detachable from the cylindrical structure without departing from the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a sports training device that may be collapsible when the sports training device is not in use. FIG. 2 depicts sports training devices in a collapsed state according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Such ease of collapsibility may provide for convenient storage and transport of the sports training device. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sports training device may be collapsed down into a disk-shaped formation measuring approximately 1 inch in thickness. However, the sports training device may be collapsed into another shape without departing from the present disclosure. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a polybag or other storage device may be provided so that the sports training device may be placed inside it when in a collapsed state and not otherwise in use.

Straps may be attached to the sports training device, either to the bottom portion of the cylindrical structure or to the weighted base, so that when the cylindrical structure is collapsed, the straps may be used to secure the sports training device in a collapsed state. It should be appreciated that the straps may be formed, in whole or in part, of Velcro or another securing material without departing from the present disclosure. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a securing device other than straps may be used to secure the sports training device when in a collapsed state.

FIG. 2 depicts the positioning of the straps when the sports training devices are in a collapsed state. FIG. 3 depicts how the straps may lie relatively flat on the floor when a sports training device is not in a collapsed state. Accordingly, the straps avoid becoming tripping hazards when the sports training device is in use. FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a sports training device wherein the straps are hidden from view underneath the bottom portion of the weighted base when the sports training device is not in a collapsed state. However, the straps are still accessible when lifting the sports training device up from the floor.

It also should appreciated that the upper portion of the cylindrical structure may include one or more handles so that the sports training device may be picked up, moved, or otherwise manipulated according to embodiments of the present disclosure. An embodiment of a sports training device including two handles is depicted in FIG. 5. The one or more handles may be formed of the same material as either the cylindrical structure or the weighted base, or it may be formed of a completely different material without departing from the present disclosure, as long as a user may manipulate the one or more handles.

Sports training devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more printed logos that may identify the team or other use of the sports training device. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a team, such as a professional basketball team, may include logos associated with the team. It also should be appreciated that the sports training device may be formed using materials in colors associated with the team according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, sports training devices may be provided in generic colors. This may be useful for a school or a camp program that may wish to use the sports training devices in different quadrants of the floor so that different groups of students or campers may be sent to a quadrant having a certain color of sports training device. It also should be appreciated that there may be embodiments wherein the top portion of the sports training device has a different color than the cylindrical structure of the sports training device. Similarly, the weighted base may be the same color or a different color than the top portion or the cylindrical structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that the sports training device also may include a pocket or sleeve wherein a card or card-like item may be inserted to identify the team or other entity working with the sports training device. For example, if a court were separated into several quadrants where different groups were to train in the different quadrants, cards may be attached to the sports training device to identify where group 1 is training, and the sports training device is labeled to signify use by group 1. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the pocket or sleeve may receive a card to provide advertising. For example, if a footwear provider was sponsoring a basketball skills competition, an advertisement for that footwear provider may be inserted into the pocket or sleeve. If a different footwear provider later sponsored the competition, its advertisement may then be substituted. It should be appreciated that this pocket or sleeve may be permanently affixed to the sports training device or it may be detachable without departing from the present disclosure. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the sports training device may be equipped with a small dry-erase area wherein names or numbers may be written and later erased.

The sports training device may be provided in a variety of different sizes according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sports training device may have a height of approximately 30 inches with a diameter of approximately 17 inches. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the sports training device may have a height of approximately 40 inches with a diameter of approximately 17 inches. However, it should be appreciated that the height may vary from approximately 18 inches to approximately 60 inches without departing from the present disclosure. More specifically, the height may be 18 inches, 27 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 40 inches or 44-60 inches without departing from the present disclosure.

The height of the sports training device may differ, for example, depending on the size of the defenders that the one or more sports training devices may be representing. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more sports training devices may be used when working with children who are learning to play basketball. In such a circumstance, the children will be small in stature and may not need sports training devices to be more than approximately 36 inches in height to adequately represent potential defenders. However, when using the one or more sports training devices with adults, such as professional basketball players, it may be useful for the sports training devices to be taller to better represents the possible defenders that the players may face.

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of a sports training device in which sports training devices are placed in a stacked or attached position. It should be appreciated that more than one sports training device may be stacked or otherwise attached to one another to increase the height of the sports training devices representing defenders according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As such, the height of an individual sports training device may be small, but by stacking more than one sports training device on top of each other, this may be helpful in working with players having different heights or skill levels.

Sports training devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be hollow on the interior. As such, the interior portion may be used for storage. For example, if a basketball team were using the sports training device, one or more basketballs may be stored within the sports training device when they are not in use. In another example, a gym teacher may use the interior of the sports training device to store other items, such as Frisbees or balls, when they are not being used so that they will not be potential hazards on the gym floor. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the interior of the sports training device may even be used to dispose of or temporarily store trash, for example, when the sports training device is in use outdoors where trashcans may not be readily available.

It also should be appreciated that while embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the context of basketball, sports training devices may be used in other sports without departing from the present disclosure. Sports where sports training devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used include but are not limited to soccer, track, general sports skills training, and other activities where cones or other obstacles are employed.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A method comprising: providing a sports training device, wherein the sports training device comprises: a cylindrical structure having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the cylindrical structure has a hollow interior; and a weighted base coupled to the bottom portion of the cylindrical structure.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: collapsing the sports training device from an expanded state to a collapsed state.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the sports training device has a disk-shape when in the collapsed state.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the sports training device in the disk-shape has a thickness of about 1 inch.
 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: transporting the sports training device in the collapsed state.
 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: securing the sports training device in the collapsed state with straps that are attached to the sports training device.
 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising: placing the sports training device in a bag after the step of collapsing.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: expanding the sports training device from a collapsed state to an expanded state.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: placing the sports training device on a basketball court.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the sports training device has a first wire formed in a first closed circle around and coupled to an upper perimeter of the cylindrical structure, wherein the bottom portion of the sports training device has a second wire formed in a second closed circle around and coupled to a bottom perimeter of the cylindrical structure.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the middle portion of the sports training device comprises a fabric material and a third wire coupled to the fabric material, wherein the third wire has a helical shape when the sports training device is in an expanded state.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the sports training device further comprises a material having an opening formed therein.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the sports training device is a first sports training device, the method further comprising: stacking a second sports training device on top of the first sports training device.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second sports training device comprises: a second cylindrical structure having a second top portion, a second middle portion, and a second bottom portion, wherein the second cylindrical structure has a second hollow interior; and a second weighted base coupled to the second bottom portion of the second cylindrical structure.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein after the step of stacking, the second weighted base of the second sports training device is above the top portion of the first sports training device.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: after the step of stacking, attaching the first sports training device to the second sports training device.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing a sports ball in the sports training device.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the sports training device is configured to move between an expanded state and a collapsed state, wherein a height of the sports training device is in a range of 18 inches to 60 inches when in the expanded state.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the sports training device has a diameter of about 17 inches.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the sports training device is configured to move between an expanded state and a collapsed state, the method further comprising: storing a sports ball in the sports training device when in the expanded state. 